alpine.adrenaline

I did a search but the majority of axle bearing issues seem to be regarding the the rear axle. I have a gnarly grinding in my Dana 30 and after replacing the hub bearings, getting a thorough alignment, and replacing the front pumpkin fluid I've concluded it must be the axle bearing. How are the old bearings removed? Local shop quoted $750 but if it's in the realm of something I can do I'd like to give it a shot.

93gc40

Rear or front????? Checked U-Joints????

93gc40

Unit bearing IS the axel bearing on a D30. There is also a ste of bearing on the carrier. What did gears look like when you changed the oil?

SeriousOffroad

Dana 30 are front axles.

To the OP,
There aren't any shaft bearings in a D30 axle. There are carrier bearings pressed onto the differential and Unit Bearing Hubs in the steering knuckle.

If the carrier bearings are toast the carrier needs to be removed and the bearings replaced. This will require resetting the ring gear backlash.

If the unit bearing hub is shot, it's a very simple DIY repair.

alpine.adrenaline

Thanks, FrankZ. I assume I need to replace the carrier bearings then (wasn't sure on the nomenclature). When you mention the "Unit Bearing Hubs," that's the assembly that the wheel mounts to and then to the steering knuckle, right?

When I changed the diff fluid a couple of weeks ago, the gears looked great. No shavings or little metal particles. Just to make sure I'm getting this right, the carrier is the piece in the center of that larger gear correct?

Is setting the ring gear backlash something a novice can undertake? Sounds like something I don't want to screw up...

grsmnky1

My suggestion is pay the money, and have them put a pinion bearing in also,reset everything,then you can just rest easy and enjoy your jeep.

alpine.adrenaline

Can anyone recommend a quality rebuild kit?

troy fritz

If it's the carrier then have a shop do it. If you don't know what your doing then you could mess up the gears and you'll be replacing them too.

Turbo X_J

http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDet..._Gear_and_Axle

I'm assuming you already have the proper tools (dial indicator, inch pound torque wrench, etc.) If you have no experience with R&P setup I would let a shop take care of it for you. The big plus is if something goes wrong, there is someone to blame other than you.

ETA: Think of this as the opportunity to get that different gear ratio you always wanted.

alpine.adrenaline

Those look like some nice kits; I'm glad they're using Timken bearings. I'll buy the kit and have someone else install it. Thanks for the help!

SeriousOffroad

Check my site.

alpine.adrenaline

Was quoted $750 to overhaul the Dana30. I wonder if I'd be better off pulling a junkyard front axle with 3-55 gears. All Dana30's on XJ's have a 27 spline output shaft right? Tag on the front of my axle reads 52069194AD and 3.55 610869-2. Anyonw know what these numbers mean? If I find one at a JY I want to find a direct swap.